Preparing for Severe Storms and Dangerous Weather

While no one can gauge the severity of a storm before it strikes, there are steps you can take to reduce its impact on your property. Here are some prevention tips based on years of industry data about the damage caused by severe storms:

• Stay tuned to your local radio or TV station.
  
• Fill fuel tank in car.
• Secure watercraft.
• Maintain a supply of canned goods.
  
• Refill prescription medicine.
  
• Make sure radios and flashlights have fresh batteries and keep spare batteries at hand.
  
• Secure lawn furniture.
• Tape, board or shutter windows and doors.
• Clear rain gutters and down spouts.
  
  

• Stay tuned to your local radio or TV station.
• Move valuables to upper floors.
• Fill bathtub; fill containers with drinking water.
  
• Turn up refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary.
  
• Fill coolers with ice.
  
• Use phone for emergency calls only.
• Stay indoors and away from windows.
  
• Unplug non-essential appliances.
  
  

• Shut off water and electricity at mains.
• If possible, bring important papers and essential valuables with you.
  
• Lock the house.
  
• Follow evacuation procedures.
• Listen to the car radio during evacuation.
  
  

• Check for gas leaks upon returning home.
  
• Report utility damage.
  
• Discard spoiled food and water.
  
  

• Take steps to control the damage.
• Move property out of harm's way.
• Contact your independent insurance agent or broker to report the loss.